Lovewell Blake employee James Cooper has picked up a prestigious national award after scoring the highest marks in the country in his professional exams.

James, a corporate finance executive at the firm’s Norwich office, was the most successful student in the ICAEW’s Diploma in Corporate Finance exams last December.

Picking up the award from ICAEW Chief Executive Michael Izza at the Corporate Finance Faculty’s annual reception at London’s Institute of Directors, James said: “It’s always nice to be recognised for your achievements, especially when it’s from the corporate finance faculty. I never dreamt I’d be the country’s most successful student when I sat the exams last year, but I’ve worked hard and it seems to have paid off.” 

James, a member of staff at Lovewell Blake for the last 10 years, has been working towards the professional qualification in corporate finance since July 2012 and hopes to fully qualify later this year.

Lovewell Blake partner and James’s boss, Simon Watson said: “James’s success in his recent exams mirrors his commitment to the service he provides to clients on a daily basis.  As a firm we invest considerably in the training and development of our team. It is rewarding to receive such a good return on our investment.”